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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-On The Farm, 2004-03-18, Page 25L ii:u HURON TRACTOR Farm & Lawn Equipment Sales, Parts & Service Blyth 523-4244 1-800-265-9002 www.hurontractor.com JOHN DEERE Experience Service,..4 .Not Surprises PAGE A-4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2004. On the farm Leading in trying times * property assessment * source water protection * Nutrient Management * farm income crisis By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor The value of Huron County's forests can't be taken for granted and Warren Moore's job is to make sure it isn't. As the county's forestry officer, Moore is charged with enforcing their new forest conservation bylaw. "This bylaw keeps woodlots from being cleared and helps keep them in a productive state by preventing over cutting. It's a better future for them and overall will increase their value in both wetland and upland areas." The new forest conservation bylaw has a much more conservative approach than the previous tree bylaw. The recently- changed bylaw now includes a combination of size restrictions and requires a certain density of trees per acre to be retained in the woodlot. "In lay terms, a well-managed woodlot produces more volume and higher quality products thus producing a much better return for the landowner. Huron woodlots have some of the most productive and best volumes per acre." "Areas such as wetlands perform important functions in our landscape such as protecting water quality and quantity but if managed carefully can also produce a merchantable crop." Admitting that the bylaw has been a contentious issue Moore feels this has primarily been simply because people don't like change. "We are all stewards of the land and better for position of county having this bylaw." The first step before harvesting can be done is for the woodlot to be marked then a notice of intent must be filed within 10 working days. The woodlots have to be marked and Moore has the right to come onto the property and see what is expected to be cut. "It's a proactive bylaw. I can identify any changes that need to be done before the cutting starts." As he can't be everywhere, Moore said it is appreciated if people inform him of any illegal harvesting. "There can be a fine of up to $500 a tree. Any one proposing clearing an area of woodlot must file an application for exemption which is reviewed by the county. The bylaw does apply to areas that don't meet the definition of a woodlot which is identified in the bylaw. However, it is best to check with Moore first to see if the bylaw applies to the area in question or not. Moore can be reached at 523-9855 or through the county at 524-7412. "If I'm on site I can talk to the contractor and make sure the woodlot has been marked to the proper standards to begin with." Moore says as well that many of the companies will tell him when they are going to be cutting and he will go have a look while the work is being done. This is to guarantee that there is limited damage to residual trees and no cutting of undersized trees. "It's basically about overall good workmanship." By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor Sometimes when you step up to the plate, you know it's not going to be easy. But your turn is now and you just have to do what you can for the team. Accepting the position of president for the Huron County Beef Producers has Glen Walker of East Wawanosh feeling many ways, not the least of which is helpless. . "I thought quite a bit about what I'm getting myself into. Decisions that are made aren't going to make everyone happy, but it would sure help the industry if we could get the politics out of the BSE issue." The problem is, however, there's no way to do that. Complicating the BSE crisis even further is the fact that the situation changes on an almost daily basis, says Walker. "What you say today is wrong tomorrow. Everything is changing so fast. People are getting upset." As president, Walker hears first- hand how upset they are. His phone rings • regularly with calls from frustrated and worried producers. "One thing right now that's really making them angry is the fact that while we're losing on the price of our cattle, so is the consumer. We're all getting ripped off because the price of beef hasn't dropped in the grocery stores." What's particularly unsettling is Walker's matter-of-fact pronouncement that the industry can't hold on much longer. "I see disaster ahead. Everybody's so discouraged. Who's going to stay in the beef industry." One hopeful sign is the purchase of the former MGI facility in Kitchener by Gencor Foods Inc. The acquisition was in part to help find a solution to the cull cow crisis resulting from export bans. According to Gencor the plant would process beef and dairy cull cows for several months. Once it reached operational capacity, approximately 1,500 could be processed weekly. "lf it can get it going, it certainly will help," said Walker. However, for now, the cows just keep getting fatter. "And they'll have another calf. What can we do. We can't stop." Walker said if the situation doesn't change, if they don't get some assistance soon he believes that by summer 50 per cent of the beef producers in the county will call, it quits. The general consensus is that the border is unlikely to open before November. "There won't be anything happening until there's an election in the United States. This has all become political." Walker expressed outrage over comments made by John B. Adams in an Ontario Farmer story. Adams, a director of animal health and farm services for the U.S. National Milk Producers Federation was quoted as saying that the border should stay closed to live animal imports from Continued on A-5 At the job Warren Moore of Blyth has taken on the forestry officer. (Photo submitted) Blyth man enforces new forest bylaw Warren D. Moo Forest Specialist Your OFA membership supports HURON COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE to inform and lobby the various levels of government on the issues affecting you. "qa401.eia. Itia44/41.9. ga4otwia" specializing in: * Woodlot Management * Timber Marking and Marketing * Tree Pruning & Removal * Tree Planting Services Certified Managed Blyth Forest Plan Reviewer 523-9855 Contact: 482-9642 or 1-800-511-1135 www.hcfa.on.ca